TIME’s Latino Leaders 2023: Illuminating Paths of Influence and Innovation

September 23, 2023

In an influential revelation, TIME magazine inaugurates its 2023 Latino Leaders list, spotlighting eminent Latino leaders in the U.S. who are crafting transformative narratives across diverse spheres and communities. This introduction serves as an overture to a series of stories about dynamism, resilience, and the multifarious contributions of the Latino community in shaping American society.

Canvas of Diverse Influence

TIME’s initiative pays tribute to the vibrant and varied Latino community, showcasing individuals who are passionately sculpting America's future, from Hollywood to Washington, D.C., demonstrating resilience, innovation, and rich cultural heritage.

Mosaic of Achievement

Celebrated from this Hispanic Heritage Month, the list, in partnership with Nissan, features a diverse mix of luminaries like Dolores Huerta, the icon of civil rights advocacy, and rising baseball star Julio Rodríguez, symbolizing the rich tapestry of Latino contributions in various domains.

Voices of Change

Poet and author **Elizabeth Acevedo** in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2019.
Simone Padovani—Awakening/Getty Images

Elizabeth Acevedo: An acclaimed author, Acevedo has revolutionized literature by emphasizing Latino representation, blending storytelling and diversity advocacy.

**Miguel Cardona**, U.S. Secretary of Education, at the Johnson County Central Resource Library in Overland Park, Kan., in September 2023.
Arin Yoon—Bloomberg/Getty Images

Miguel Cardona: Striving for racial equality in education, Cardona fosters environments filled with inclusivity and opportunities, focusing on multilingual students.

**Gloria Calderón Kellett** at Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival in Los Angeles, Calif., in April 2022.
Rich Polk—Getty Images for IMDb

Gloria Calderón Kellett: Kellett, a powerhouse in entertainment, amplifies Latino narratives in Hollywood, combining advocacy and action to enhance diversity in storytelling.

Innovation and Legacy

Fashion designer Willy Chavarria at his Brooklyn workshop in July 2018.
Melissa Bunni Elian—The Washington Post/Getty Images

Willy Chavarria: Through his groundbreaking designs, Chavarria reflects his staunch commitment to authenticity and social justice, presenting a fresh, inclusive perspective on beauty.

Seattle Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez representing Team Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., in March 2023.
Brace Hemmelgarn—WBCI/MLB Photos/Getty Images

Julio Rodríguez: A beacon of positive energy, Rodríguez brings joy and commitment both on the field and off, promising a bright future for baseball.

Robin Arzón, Peloton’s vice president of fitness programming, in New York, May 2022.
Victor Llorente for TIME

Robin Arzón: Arzón’s journey from law to fitness is a tale of resilience and exploration, inspiring communities to celebrate movement and cultural heritage.

A Salute to Excellence

TIME’s unveiling is the prologue to a series of profiles celebrating Latino excellence, culminating in the Latino Leaders Dinner in Los Angeles on November 29, recognizing the unique spirit and impactful contributions of the Latino community to the global tapestry.

The leaders featured are not just individual success stories but symbols of collective efforts to elevate and inspire communities, reflecting a shared vision for a future enriched with diversity and shared aspirations.

Engage and Explore

Dive deeper into the inspirational journeys of TIME’s 2023 Latino Leaders here. Share your thoughts, explore their stories, and let’s celebrate the impactful symphony of voices that continue to shape our world.